This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Chiefs Committee on Health.
The Government of Yukon and the Chiefs Committee on Health are seeking applications for the initial board of the Health Authority, to be known as Shäw Kwä’ą / Health and Wellness Yukon / Santé et mieux-être Yukon.
The establishment of Shäw Kwä’ą, an arm's-length health authority, is a key pillar in the transformation of the Yukon’s health care system and in addressing the recommendations of the Putting People First report.
The initial board will be responsible for implementing foundational agreements between the Health Authority and its partners and overseeing the transition of health care services. It will play a critical role in preparing the system to become operational and begin delivering services to Yukoners in the coming years.
Shäw Kwä’ą will provide integrated, person- and family-centred care that is culturally safe, free from racism and discrimination for all Yukoners and rooted in trauma-informed, compassionate practices. It will aim to improve community wellness and equity, increase community involvement and support professionals by valuing their wellbeing and work-life balance. This approach will embrace innovation and flexibility to enhance services, improve access and achieve better outcomes, while also being efficient, effective and making the best use of available resources.
Applications for appointments to the board will be assessed by a review committee based on required competencies, skills, experience and representation of the Yukon’s diversity. Appointments will be made through a collaborative process between the Government of Yukon and the Chiefs Committee on Health.
Application forms, including eligibility criteria and the competency profile can be found online at healthandwellnessyukon.ca/board-recruitment. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application by June 10, 2025, for priority review. Applications will continue to be accepted until all board positions are filled.
We are very excited to now be accepting applications for the first board of Shäw Kwä’ą, Yukon’s new Health Authority. This is a monumental step in building a health system that truly reflects the needs and voices of all Yukoners. By working together, we can make health care more connected, compassionate and culturally safe for everyone in the territory.
This is an exciting time for the first board of Shäw Kwä’ą to shape a more equitable, culturally safe and community-centred health and wellness system. I encourage interested Yukoners, especially Yukon First Nations Citizens and people living in rural communities to apply.
-
Applications received by June 10, 2025, will be given priority review.
-
Application forms and supporting documents can be found online at healthandwellnessyukon.ca/board-recruitment.
-
The initial board of Shäw Kwä’ą is responsible for establishing the Health Authority over the next few years. Board member terms are available for two, three and four years, allowing some members to support the transition to an operational board and continue their service.
-
Applications will be assessed based on how well applicants demonstrate the desired competencies and represent the Yukon’s cultural, linguistic, regional and gender diversity.
-
Shäw Kwä’ą means “it is all well, it is all good” and embodies health and wellness in Southern Tutchone.
-
Establishing a Health Authority for the Yukon is a key recommendation from the Putting People First report, informed by engagement with Yukoners.
-
The Health Authority Act provides the legislative foundation for the creation of the Yukon’s Health Authority. The Act was co-developed by the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations with support from the Yukon Hospital Corporation.
-
The Health Authority Act defines the mandate of the initial board and sets out how health system partners will continue to work together to collaborate in building a better health care system. The Yukon is one of two Canadian jurisdictions currently operating without a Health Authority.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Nigel Allan
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-9576
[email protected]
Anna Claire Ryan
Council of Yukon First Nations
[email protected]